MinDOT reports Interstate 35 is now open to traffic in both directions after crews spent the better part of two days clearing out snow drifts that reached nearly eight feet high and trapped hundreds of vehicles.
Instate 90 that runs along southern Minnesota is also open, but the pavement remains snow-covered and
MinDOT is advising no travel in an area from Rochester east to the Wisconsin border.
[NEWS> @mndotsoutheast MnDOT reopens southbound I-35 between Owatonna and Albert Lea and westbound I-90 between Highway 52 south of Rochester and Albert Lea https://t.co/RqMgvFia7X
— MnDOT (@MnDOTnews)
February 26, 2019 A number of county roads remain closed on Tuesday, mostly in southeast Minnesota.
There are reports of about 600 rescues of poeple who became stuck in the snow, many of them in cars, but some in buses, two trains, and anglers fishing on ice-covered lakes.
Gov. Walz declared a state of emergency in Steele and Freeborn counties, where National Guard personnel were out in force finding motorists whose vehicles ground to a halt in the ever-rising snowdrifts created by heavy snowfall and high winds.
Working to clear SB I-35 near Owatonna before they can re-open it. The NB side though is now open. pic.twitter.com/pOLOdCyVy7
— MnDOT Traffic (@MnDOTtraffic)
February 25, 2019 Many of those who were rescued stayed in emergency shelters in Albert Lea and Owatonna.
Those shelters are now closed.
Others were able to get back north of the affected area to wait out the storm and the aftermath.
Take a look at our #MnDOT snowplows cams. Here are views of I-35 near Hope, Hwy 52 in #rochmn and Hwy 61 near Red Wing. You can see highways are snow covered, motorists should prepare slick spots. Use caution and slow down. Check https://t.co/MEmqELpVHX for updates. pic.twitter.com/l94yqDz4fE
— MnDOT District 6 (@mndotsoutheast)
February 26, 2019
